Something to Celebrate: Mexican May Holidays
Tara A. Spears
For those that love a party with a theme, the first week of May has something for everyone to celebrate. From the whimsical to the somber, Mexico raises a glass to honor its children (Children’s Day, April 30;) tipping a cold ceberza in thanks to all the workers (Labor Day, May 1;) gathering together and toasting with Margaritas to ask for a good next year (Day of the Cross, May 3;) and tossing tequila shots to celebrate Mexican victory (Battle Victory at Pueblo, May 5.) One characteristic of the Mexican attitude is to turn the ordinary into something to celebrate, to rejuvenate with family and brew. Here in the Riviera Nayarit, these designated days are very understated as there are no parades or large community celebrations, just family fiestas and individuals enjoying an extra day off work.
To start the week in a festive mode, Dia de Ninos, April 30, typically has no lessons but food and games instead. At the time of this writing, various child-centered events are slated for the Jaltemba Bay town plazas that include gifts, food, rides, and music for the parents. Children’s Day is a national observance in Mexico that has been celebrated annually in Mexico since 1925. Because children are recognized as an important part of society the day focuses on the importance of loving, accepting and appreciating children. Civil groups dedicate this day to treating the kids. Rotary International, for example, collect donations and give them to children. Churches also hold various events for children. Mexican children always look forward to the holiday with great anticipation.
While the kids are happy, the parents get pumped up because El Dia del Trabajo, May 1, is gives them an extra day to sleep in. This national holiday is most commonly associated as a commemoration of the achievements of the work force/labor movement. . Labor Day in Mexico means all government offices, schools, as well as banks, postal services, and many restaurants close. Labor Day isn’t all rest and relaxation, however. In some areas this day is used as a time to peacefully protest against the issues that might arise between a company and its employees. In 2015, the nation was shocked when a cartel staged a multi-state violent protest against a federal law enforcement initiative.
The adults eagerly look forward to going to work on May 3, Día de la Santa Cruz because this occasion typically the worker is given lunch. As the Mexican construction industry has flourished for the last 20 years the celebration of the feast day of the construction workers has gained importance. Over the centuries, masons came to make this their own celebration, and they and their families now have a special feast on this day. In some areas May 3rd is called Mason day, rather than Dia de la Santa Cruz. As one local worker explained, “That day, the architect or owners of the construction invite us for lunch and a few beers… that’s how they honor us on our day.”
The traditional Day of the Holy Cross celebration consists of mounting the decorated cross with regular work ending at noon. The patron, the owner of the project, begins the next phase of the festival with tequila toasts, known as copitas. The owner toasts the success of the project and the health and happiness of the crew. He also sponsors a comida (midday meal). This reflects the pre-Columbian custom of placing food and drink on specially constructed altars to dedicate new buildings, and to please the gods. Carne Asada, thinly sliced beef, is prepared onsite on a grill by one of the workers. The grilled meat will be served with beans, guacamole, salsa Mexicana, (very hot chile sauce) with mounds of tortillas and plenty of cold beer. The purpose of this day is to ask the higher power for the protection of the workers on the job, to give thanks for their safety and success during previous year, and ask for continued good projects, good work conditions, and good salary in the coming year.
Now that everyone is happy, it’s time to bring everyone together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This special day In May is probably best known to the international visitor as it is celebrated in many countries. It is a time for family fiestas, ceberza and good times.
Cinco de Mayo traditions include school parades, mariachi music performances, and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States. In Nayarit, Labor Day is the most celebrated and not much public activity happens on the 5th.
As summer gets underway, the first week of May is a well-deserved tribute to the talented and industrious Mexican workers. And since this year the special days start on the weekend, what a great way to roll through the work week. Salud!
